What the “F” is this?

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:21 pm

Howard if Darren pulls off getting his guitar on as cabin luggage you'll have to have a long talk with him on how he did it. Maybe you could then bring back more goodies eh!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Thu Jul 06, 2006 3:47 am

No doubt about that, Ron..... we'll have a l-o-n-g chat about it!

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:35 pm

At last the Fatboy is home with me in Melbourne. I managed to convince the airline to allow it to be taken on as hand luggage from JFK to LAX, but met my match in LA where the guitar had to be stowed in the hold from LA to Oz. Gulp!!

When we landed, my nervousness regarding Fatboy's well-being was detected by Australian Customs and I was quizzed at length. Fearing that I was going to be on the receiving end of a full body cavity search, I managed to convince the Customs officer that my anxiety was related only to seeing my guitar again and not because of any illegal activity. It turns out the Customs officer was also a guitarist and understood my plight! Consequently he waived me through customs clearance....and once again no duty and no tax was asked for!

The guitar was in perfect condition. Here are some of the latest photos:-

winston · Post by **winston** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:37 pm

Darren,

You have horseshoes...

My offer to baby sit was declined I take it?

ken_j · Post by **ken_j** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 2:47 pm

What a beauty! I am happy to hear that it made the trip without incident.

harvey49 · Post by **harvey49** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 3:10 pm

And no slug from customs and taxes what a bonus!!!

It's always a good feeling to get these things back to your home in good knick. Shame about not being able to convince them to allow the guitar on board with you for the trip home. Would have saved all that stress eh!

Another Aussie with a new toy - the green eyed monster is getting the better of me!

jwilli · Post by **jwilli** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 4:06 pm

Darren, superb! I guess that you won't be bringing that F back to the States in August?! Lol!

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 5:24 pm

Thanks for comments everyone.

Ron, you need a new toy too. Is there anything you are looking for in particular?

John, sorry mate, Fatboy ain't coming back to the US for a loooooong time! At least I'll have a free hand to bring back something else next trip! Of course, you're always welcome to come and visit here in Melbourne.

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 7:03 pm

Darren, that is an incredible-looking guitar.... I'm jealous! You are one lucky guy!

gregga41 · Post by **gregga41** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 7:48 pm

I await, mouth drooling , an invitation to drop in and see fatboy!

and the new guitar ,of course!!
lol!

ozover50 · Post by **ozover50** » Fri Jul 07, 2006 9:50 pm

Have I told you lately that I hate you, Darren?

You smooth-talking SOB, you!

Congrats, mate.....

H

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Sat Jul 08, 2006 3:23 pm

I'd really love to hear some sound clips of that guitar.... I am curious about how an F-series sounds compared with a standard semi-hollow Ric.... I hope someone brings one to the California Confluence!

beatlefan · Post by **beatlefan** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:15 am

Beautiful guitar ,Darren! Congrats!

ajish4 · Post by **ajish4** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:08 pm

http://cgi.ebay.com/1968-Rickenbacker-Prototype-One-of-a-Kind-Near-Mint_W0QQitemZ170006144697QQihZ007QQcategoryZ41439QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

This seems to fit this thread.....One of a kind PROTOTYPE RIC???

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Sun Jul 09, 2006 3:25 pm

Ahh, the Porky Freeman guitar. It has been on the show circuit for a while, I just handled it back in May at the Philly Show. Expensive, and interesting to say the least.